This is the saddest day of Thanksgiving weekend -- because Dennis goes back to home -- but the kids are going to a movie with friends today -- and Miranda and I have Pampered Chef boxes to sort through -- so that will keep us busy.
We had a nice big breakfast of breakfast casserole and oatmeal cake before Dennis left. It was a good way to end a wonderful weekend together.
Terry also has some work to get done at the Taekwondo studio today -- so once again --- everyone scatters in their own directions. It will be interesting to see how long we are able to preserve this family Thanksgiving. Linda is voting for us all to go to Florida next year -- but that would really throw off the traditions that I have worked to had to preserve here. But I do understand she would like to get us all together in one place again before the kids scatter to college. We will have to see what next year holds...
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday (Cont)
It's official, pumpkin roll totally rocks!!! It never ceases to amaze me that I can make a cake -- roll it up -- unroll it -- put filling on it -- and roll it back up again without breaking it!! And it taste good!! Next I want to do this with chocolate cake and maybe a butter cream filling.
Dinner this evening was a free for all -- whatever was in the frig was up for grabs. Interestingly everyone want some jambalaya and some turkey leftovers. I had a wonderful turkey sandwich on a soft roll with spinach, tomato, and roasted red pepper spread -- this was the most amazing turkey sandwich I have ever had!!!
Miranda and I just finished putting together the breakfast casserole which will be for breakfast tomorrow morning. Dennis leaves at 9:00 -- and we will be sad to see him go.
We watched Blind Side this evening -- Dennis had never seen it. We all enjoyed it thoroughly -- Miranda and I hold this as one of our favorite movies -- just awesome!!
Now Nick and Mandy are working on music for open mic night at church -- love that!!
Dinner this evening was a free for all -- whatever was in the frig was up for grabs. Interestingly everyone want some jambalaya and some turkey leftovers. I had a wonderful turkey sandwich on a soft roll with spinach, tomato, and roasted red pepper spread -- this was the most amazing turkey sandwich I have ever had!!!
Miranda and I just finished putting together the breakfast casserole which will be for breakfast tomorrow morning. Dennis leaves at 9:00 -- and we will be sad to see him go.
We watched Blind Side this evening -- Dennis had never seen it. We all enjoyed it thoroughly -- Miranda and I hold this as one of our favorite movies -- just awesome!!
Now Nick and Mandy are working on music for open mic night at church -- love that!!
Friday
Hey!! Never got back to post the rest of thanksgiving -- just way too tired... I am sooo glad that I did not make the pumpkin roll for dessert yesterday -- there would have been no way to enjoy it. I did not even have room for the Baily's and egg nog that I was soo looking forward to.
We watched a couple of specials about the real Thanksgiving -- I think I slept through about half. I was awake enough to hear that I was not tired from the triptophan(sp??) in the turkey -- but instead from all of the time in the kitchen, food, and wine -- sounds about right to me.
We then watched some football -- the Jets played somebody wearing orange and I think the jets won -- but again I dozed through most of that too. Then time for bed -- sounds good to me!!
This morning was way too soon to think about food -- but there are others here -- so I threw together a quick oatmeal cake and everyone was happy. Then time for a shower and laundry (that had been neglected for a few days). Miranda and I went to the video store and to the grocery to fill a couple of holes (ran out of wine last night...). We rented Toy Story 3 (yes we are probably the only ones who have not yet seen it), Blind Side, and Eat, Pray, Love -- I hope we find time for all of these this weekend.
When we came home Dennis presented us with our annual stained glass Christmas ornaments -- which he makes by hand. They are truly special!! Several years back we purchase a small, pre-lit tabletop tree for all of the stained glass ornaments -- that way we can hang them while Dennis is here. So we dug the tree out and decorated it while listening to Linda Eder )sp??_
Then we all gather to watch Toy Story 3 -- that was a winner!! But really a tear jerker especially for mom's with children growing up and getting ready to head to college. Where did all of the time go?? It does go too fast...
Since we could not really decide on lunch we just kind of snacked -- vegies and dip -- left over shrimp mold, touchdown taco dip, cheese and crackers. Everyone seemed to get their fill. Then it was time for a nice long walk with Pepper and Caye. Chilly weather outside but refreshing!
Now getting ready to work on pumpkin roll -- can not wait to enjoy that tonight!!
We watched a couple of specials about the real Thanksgiving -- I think I slept through about half. I was awake enough to hear that I was not tired from the triptophan(sp??) in the turkey -- but instead from all of the time in the kitchen, food, and wine -- sounds about right to me.
We then watched some football -- the Jets played somebody wearing orange and I think the jets won -- but again I dozed through most of that too. Then time for bed -- sounds good to me!!
This morning was way too soon to think about food -- but there are others here -- so I threw together a quick oatmeal cake and everyone was happy. Then time for a shower and laundry (that had been neglected for a few days). Miranda and I went to the video store and to the grocery to fill a couple of holes (ran out of wine last night...). We rented Toy Story 3 (yes we are probably the only ones who have not yet seen it), Blind Side, and Eat, Pray, Love -- I hope we find time for all of these this weekend.
When we came home Dennis presented us with our annual stained glass Christmas ornaments -- which he makes by hand. They are truly special!! Several years back we purchase a small, pre-lit tabletop tree for all of the stained glass ornaments -- that way we can hang them while Dennis is here. So we dug the tree out and decorated it while listening to Linda Eder )sp??_
Then we all gather to watch Toy Story 3 -- that was a winner!! But really a tear jerker especially for mom's with children growing up and getting ready to head to college. Where did all of the time go?? It does go too fast...
Since we could not really decide on lunch we just kind of snacked -- vegies and dip -- left over shrimp mold, touchdown taco dip, cheese and crackers. Everyone seemed to get their fill. Then it was time for a nice long walk with Pepper and Caye. Chilly weather outside but refreshing!
Now getting ready to work on pumpkin roll -- can not wait to enjoy that tonight!!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Turkey Day!!
Turkey Day has arrived!!
We started the morning with cinnamon rolls that I had started last night. If you remember I had decided to use the Alton Brown recipe and they turned out to be a disappointment. They did not rise as they should have. This could be because I kneaded them incorrectly -- or possibly because I used a buttermilk substitute rather than actual buttermilk -- next year real buttermilk all the way!!
After a quick shower it was time to begin the stuffing. We used just two loaves of bread this year as everyone here does not love stuffing as much as my family did when I was a child. Our favorite part of the stuffing is the sauteed onions, garlic and butter. I even allow everyone to have a piece of toasted with the butter mixture on it -- because that was my favorite thing as a child...
It was not yet time to stuff the bird -- so Miranda and I made the artichoke dip --a favorite with everyone!! Then time for stuffing the bird. We brought it up and took it out of the brine. It was less blue than in past years-- but looked quite good. I stuffed both the stomache cavity and the neck which took the entire amount of stuffing -- just as we had planned. Then I put butter under the skin of the breast of the turkey and sprinkled the bird with paprika -- before wrapping it in cheese cloth. Then into the oven at 325 degrees. The estimate was about 5 hours to cook (19 lb. stuffed turkey)-- it took only about 4 hours!! (We put the turkey in at 11:00am)
Next we cooked the artichoke dip while wrapping up the bacon cheese crackers. About 11:30 we served artichoke dip and vegies and dip. ( I had sent Miranda downstairs to get some more of my pampered chef things and we used the bamboo serving pieces for appetizers.) I also made mojitos to go with it!! A short rest and then back to the kitchen.
Bacon cracker into the oven to cook (takes about 2 hours). Then I made the crust for the tarts -- which need to chill in the frig for a while. Next PW mashed potatoes. The secret here is to use just under 5 lbs. of potatoes -- that way they fit perfectly into the casserole!! I also mash the squash soufle -- but only a half recipe as Dennis and I are the only ones that eat this.
Next we served the shrimp mold and the bacon crackers. The verdict was that the addition of red peppers to the shrimp mold is a winning combination!! Another short rest -- watched the end of the dogs show -- and back to the kitchen.
This time it was mincemeat tarts, and mini apple pie tarts. For the apple pies one I should only use 2 apples instead of 3. By now it was about 3:00 and I took the turkey out to baste again. It looked quite done --so I quickly checked with my new PC meat thermometer -- and sure enough it was done!! But nothing else was quite ready. SO I covered it with foil -- turned the oven off and let it sit for another 45 minutes. Meanwhile as soon as the tarts cane out of the oven -- I put in the potatoes -- the squash -- and the green bean casserole. When they were almost done it was time to carve -- TERRY!!!!!
A couple of carving notes -- the whole process takes about 25 minutes -- Terry would like to remember to remove the breasts first next year -- before carving up the dark meat.
There is more to say -- but I think I remember all of the important things that we wanted to remember for next year. More later...
We started the morning with cinnamon rolls that I had started last night. If you remember I had decided to use the Alton Brown recipe and they turned out to be a disappointment. They did not rise as they should have. This could be because I kneaded them incorrectly -- or possibly because I used a buttermilk substitute rather than actual buttermilk -- next year real buttermilk all the way!!
After a quick shower it was time to begin the stuffing. We used just two loaves of bread this year as everyone here does not love stuffing as much as my family did when I was a child. Our favorite part of the stuffing is the sauteed onions, garlic and butter. I even allow everyone to have a piece of toasted with the butter mixture on it -- because that was my favorite thing as a child...
It was not yet time to stuff the bird -- so Miranda and I made the artichoke dip --a favorite with everyone!! Then time for stuffing the bird. We brought it up and took it out of the brine. It was less blue than in past years-- but looked quite good. I stuffed both the stomache cavity and the neck which took the entire amount of stuffing -- just as we had planned. Then I put butter under the skin of the breast of the turkey and sprinkled the bird with paprika -- before wrapping it in cheese cloth. Then into the oven at 325 degrees. The estimate was about 5 hours to cook (19 lb. stuffed turkey)-- it took only about 4 hours!! (We put the turkey in at 11:00am)
Next we cooked the artichoke dip while wrapping up the bacon cheese crackers. About 11:30 we served artichoke dip and vegies and dip. ( I had sent Miranda downstairs to get some more of my pampered chef things and we used the bamboo serving pieces for appetizers.) I also made mojitos to go with it!! A short rest and then back to the kitchen.
Bacon cracker into the oven to cook (takes about 2 hours). Then I made the crust for the tarts -- which need to chill in the frig for a while. Next PW mashed potatoes. The secret here is to use just under 5 lbs. of potatoes -- that way they fit perfectly into the casserole!! I also mash the squash soufle -- but only a half recipe as Dennis and I are the only ones that eat this.
Next we served the shrimp mold and the bacon crackers. The verdict was that the addition of red peppers to the shrimp mold is a winning combination!! Another short rest -- watched the end of the dogs show -- and back to the kitchen.
This time it was mincemeat tarts, and mini apple pie tarts. For the apple pies one I should only use 2 apples instead of 3. By now it was about 3:00 and I took the turkey out to baste again. It looked quite done --so I quickly checked with my new PC meat thermometer -- and sure enough it was done!! But nothing else was quite ready. SO I covered it with foil -- turned the oven off and let it sit for another 45 minutes. Meanwhile as soon as the tarts cane out of the oven -- I put in the potatoes -- the squash -- and the green bean casserole. When they were almost done it was time to carve -- TERRY!!!!!
A couple of carving notes -- the whole process takes about 25 minutes -- Terry would like to remember to remove the breasts first next year -- before carving up the dark meat.
There is more to say -- but I think I remember all of the important things that we wanted to remember for next year. More later...
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Mogan David Wine Jello
They say that smells and tastes trigger some of the most poignant memories and I am hear to say that is so true. I just got finished making the mogan david wine jello -- and just the smell of it brings me back to my childhood days -- in the kitchen with my mom - making jello for Thanksgiving!! It was wonderful!!!
Wednesday
Wednesday began early due to a KMAS radio rehearsal. we began the morning with biscuits and gravy -- a family favorite!!
Then Dennis and the kids and I headed to FOFC for a KMAS rehearsal. It lasted longer than anticipated (almost 1:00pm) but we loved the fact the Dennis was able to see so much of what the kids love to do!! This show is really rough right now -- but it will come together before next week -- it always does...
By the time we got home we were all ready for the Jamb., which had been heating in the crock pot. While it was nice to have it ready when we walked in the door -- next time I woudl wait and do the rice part right before we eat. We had sour dough and ciabata bread too -- a great lunch for a rainy / icy day.
Next Nick and I got the turkey into the brine. Timing was good since it should bring for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. Terry then reminded my that last year I purchased a free range turkey -- I was soo sad that I forgot that this year. This year I purchased a fresh butterball turkey from Ultra. We will see what it is like....
The it was time for a short break / nap for all.
Around 3:00 Miranda and I began baklava. This is a family fav. dessert which Dennis introduced us to about 3 years ago. It is a long process to prepare, but well worth the time -- it is awesome!!
As we finished making the baklava -- we noticed the Fed Ex truck pulling up -- this meant none other than Pampered Chef!!! My order from the party 2 weeks ago was arriving. While I will not be able to get everyone their things before Thanksgiving Day --at least they will be able to get things before the week is out. Of course we have to pull a few special things out of the boxes -- like the wine glasses and the wonderful cutting mats!! I seriously do not know how I have lived without these!!
Then it was time for cinnamon rolls. I decided to use Alton Brown's recipe this year -- made completely by hand (no bread machine).
While those set to rise -- I made shrimp mold. I was a little low on shrimp this year (bought a pound instead of a pound and a half) so I decided to try something new -- I added some chopped red pepper!! Survey says -- wonderful!!
Next was time for cranberry sauce -- next year I need to remember to look for the recipe with maple syrup and orange juice -- forgot about that until too late.
Finally it was time for a treat for tonight -- potato skins!! I actually had start baking the potatoes several recipes earlier I ended up using about 5lbs. of potatoes, 1 lb. of bacon, 1 lb of cheese, green onions and sour cream. These proved to be an awesome treat for everyone -- when the boys got home from taekwondo.
I love cooking in the kitchen with Miranda and Dennis -- it is always sooo much fun!!!
Finally I have just finished getting the Mogan David wine jello mold going. Now time for a rest.....
Lots of cooking tomorrow -- and I still do not know what we are having for dessert...
Then Dennis and the kids and I headed to FOFC for a KMAS rehearsal. It lasted longer than anticipated (almost 1:00pm) but we loved the fact the Dennis was able to see so much of what the kids love to do!! This show is really rough right now -- but it will come together before next week -- it always does...
By the time we got home we were all ready for the Jamb., which had been heating in the crock pot. While it was nice to have it ready when we walked in the door -- next time I woudl wait and do the rice part right before we eat. We had sour dough and ciabata bread too -- a great lunch for a rainy / icy day.
Next Nick and I got the turkey into the brine. Timing was good since it should bring for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. Terry then reminded my that last year I purchased a free range turkey -- I was soo sad that I forgot that this year. This year I purchased a fresh butterball turkey from Ultra. We will see what it is like....
The it was time for a short break / nap for all.
Around 3:00 Miranda and I began baklava. This is a family fav. dessert which Dennis introduced us to about 3 years ago. It is a long process to prepare, but well worth the time -- it is awesome!!
As we finished making the baklava -- we noticed the Fed Ex truck pulling up -- this meant none other than Pampered Chef!!! My order from the party 2 weeks ago was arriving. While I will not be able to get everyone their things before Thanksgiving Day --at least they will be able to get things before the week is out. Of course we have to pull a few special things out of the boxes -- like the wine glasses and the wonderful cutting mats!! I seriously do not know how I have lived without these!!
Then it was time for cinnamon rolls. I decided to use Alton Brown's recipe this year -- made completely by hand (no bread machine).
While those set to rise -- I made shrimp mold. I was a little low on shrimp this year (bought a pound instead of a pound and a half) so I decided to try something new -- I added some chopped red pepper!! Survey says -- wonderful!!
Next was time for cranberry sauce -- next year I need to remember to look for the recipe with maple syrup and orange juice -- forgot about that until too late.
Finally it was time for a treat for tonight -- potato skins!! I actually had start baking the potatoes several recipes earlier I ended up using about 5lbs. of potatoes, 1 lb. of bacon, 1 lb of cheese, green onions and sour cream. These proved to be an awesome treat for everyone -- when the boys got home from taekwondo.
I love cooking in the kitchen with Miranda and Dennis -- it is always sooo much fun!!!
Finally I have just finished getting the Mogan David wine jello mold going. Now time for a rest.....
Lots of cooking tomorrow -- and I still do not know what we are having for dessert...
Tuesday
Thanksgiving is one of my family's favorite times of year. It is a time when Terry always takes the entire week off of work -- and Uncle Dennis always comes to visit!! I believe it is Dennis' visit that makes this time of year so special for us. This year he arrived on Tuesday.
We began the morning with monkey bread. I used a different recipe this year -- which proved much easier and just as tastey. Instead of dipping each piece of biscuit in butter before putting it in the cinnamon sugar -- I merely put all of the biscuits pieces right in the cinnamon sugar mixture and shook to coat. Then I placed all of the pieces in the bunt pan. I melted 2 sticks of butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and the remainder of the coating mixture. This I poured over the biscuits. Terry suggested more brown sugar would have been better -- making a mental note of that... I also let the monkey bread sit a good 10 minutes before flipping the pan -- this worked very well. Perhaps thought the most important step was butter the pan thoroughly.
After breakfast I ran to the store for a couple of last minute items before Miranda and I headed off to the airport. (Terry enjoyed some much needed R and R while Nick still had classes at PSC.) Dennis' flight was a bit early -- and I only had to circle once before being able to pick him up -- but not before being screamed at by airport security -- welcome to Chicago!!
When we arrived home the Italian Beef was ready for lunch ( I had started it at 3:00am when the Pepper was asking to go outside...). I learned that Italian Beef is a specifically Chicago thing -- so quite a treat for Dennis -- I will have to remember this!!
After a short rest I began making Jambalya. This would be lunch on Wednesday -- but because of a long KMAS rehearsal I thought it best to make a day ahead. While it was very tasty -- my recommendation in the future would be make the Jamb up to the rice step -- frig it. When ready to eat -- heat to a boil -- add rice -- cook 15- 25 -- let stand 10 more -- ready to eat. This will make it less bulking and the rice less gummy. (But it was still enjoyable!!)
We made a quick broccoli dip for a snack before heading off to the Fine Arts band / tone chimes / orchestra concert. The concert was wonderful!!! Orchestra was a bit long -- but that may have only been because I do not have a child playing in the orchestra. I loved seeing Miranda playing tone chimes for the very first time!!
We ended the evening at Chicago Dough with some awesome pizza!! All in all a wonderful first day of Thanksgiving!!
We began the morning with monkey bread. I used a different recipe this year -- which proved much easier and just as tastey. Instead of dipping each piece of biscuit in butter before putting it in the cinnamon sugar -- I merely put all of the biscuits pieces right in the cinnamon sugar mixture and shook to coat. Then I placed all of the pieces in the bunt pan. I melted 2 sticks of butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and the remainder of the coating mixture. This I poured over the biscuits. Terry suggested more brown sugar would have been better -- making a mental note of that... I also let the monkey bread sit a good 10 minutes before flipping the pan -- this worked very well. Perhaps thought the most important step was butter the pan thoroughly.
After breakfast I ran to the store for a couple of last minute items before Miranda and I headed off to the airport. (Terry enjoyed some much needed R and R while Nick still had classes at PSC.) Dennis' flight was a bit early -- and I only had to circle once before being able to pick him up -- but not before being screamed at by airport security -- welcome to Chicago!!
When we arrived home the Italian Beef was ready for lunch ( I had started it at 3:00am when the Pepper was asking to go outside...). I learned that Italian Beef is a specifically Chicago thing -- so quite a treat for Dennis -- I will have to remember this!!
After a short rest I began making Jambalya. This would be lunch on Wednesday -- but because of a long KMAS rehearsal I thought it best to make a day ahead. While it was very tasty -- my recommendation in the future would be make the Jamb up to the rice step -- frig it. When ready to eat -- heat to a boil -- add rice -- cook 15- 25 -- let stand 10 more -- ready to eat. This will make it less bulking and the rice less gummy. (But it was still enjoyable!!)
We made a quick broccoli dip for a snack before heading off to the Fine Arts band / tone chimes / orchestra concert. The concert was wonderful!!! Orchestra was a bit long -- but that may have only been because I do not have a child playing in the orchestra. I loved seeing Miranda playing tone chimes for the very first time!!
We ended the evening at Chicago Dough with some awesome pizza!! All in all a wonderful first day of Thanksgiving!!
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